Mobile fuel distribution station

ABSTRACT

A fuel distribution station includes a first fuel tank for releasably holding a first fuel, and a second fuel tank for releasably holding a second fuel. A connection member extends between the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank, and provides a rigid connection between the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank. A support structure supports the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, sufficient to allow for passage of land vehicles beneath the support structure during a fueling operation. A control system is utilized for selectively permitting and monitoring a discharge of fuel from the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank to the land vehicles during the fueling operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Utility applicationSer. No. 16/536,584, filed on Aug. 9, 2019, entitled “MOBILE FUELDISTRIBUTION STATION” which is a divisional application of U.S. UtilityPat. No. 10,507,806 issued Dec. 17, 2019 “MOBILE FUEL DISTRIBUTIONSTATION”, which is a divisional application of U.S. Utility Pat. No.9,181,078, issued on Nov. 10, 2015, entitled “MOBILE FUEL DISTRIBUTIONSTATION”, hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fuel distribution stationsand, more particularly, to a modular, environmentally friendly mobilefuel distribution station and related method of quickly transporting andassembling a mobile fuel distribution station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As more and more automobiles are put into service on roads across theglobe to meet the transportation demands of an ever-expandingpopulation, more and more fueling stations must be planned, permittedand constructed to provide a means of fuel distribution for suchautomobiles. The construction and operation of known fuel distributionand service stations, however, are lengthy, costly andresource-consuming undertakings. Surveys and studies of anticipateddemand must be commissioned, the station designed in a configurationsufficient to meet the anticipated demand, permits must be pulled and alengthy construction process commenced and completed before a singlegallon of gasoline may be pumped. Moreover, known fuel stations are notflexible and are not capable of providing different types of fuels fordistribution.

As will be readily appreciated, the construction of known fuelingstations is also not the most environmentally-friendly practice. Indeed,the footprint of known fueling stations, in terms of both its permanenceand from an environmental standpoint, is rather substantial. Currently,fossil fuel distribution is made through permanent establishments whichrequire public works, excavations, etc. and which have no flexibility interms of design or configuration. In addition, known stations requireelectricity from the electrical grid and cannot be relocated in aneconomically feasible or profitable way. For example, automotive fuelsare typically stored in underground tanks from which the fuel is pumpedto a fuel dispenser for dispensing into an automobile. These tanks aretypically constructed of metal or fiberglass. Underground installationof these tanks requires relatively large excavations and coveragethereof and creates many potential problems.

One known problem associated with underground fuel tanks is leakage orseepage into the surrounding soil. This is particularly true of metallictanks, which can corrode or degrade over time, especially in moist soil.Seepage into the surrounding soil results both in the steady loss offuel and environmental (soil and water) pollution. Moreover, in case offlooding, the tanks installed underground are inefficient and the fuelin them may be contaminated with water and with sediments within thewater. As these tanks are buried underground beneath the structure ofthe station, the cost of repairing and replacing a leaking undergroundtank can be extremely expensive. In addition, underground tanks are notdesigned to store different types of fuels, and other facilities areneeded to store equipment and to perform processes needed to producecertain types of fuel and energy to deliver to automobiles.

Moreover, known fossil fuel distribution stations have very highoperating costs because the fuel, stored in an underground tank, must bemechanically pumped from the tank to an automobile. As will be readilyappreciated, this mechanical pumping consumes a lot of electricity.

In addition to the above, known fueling stations are relativelypermanent in nature. They are anchored to the ground with tons and tonsof poured concrete, have large fuel tanks buried many feet beneath thesurface of the ground, and have many feet of underground piping routingfuel from the tanks to the pump and electricity from the electrical gridto the station. Accordingly, in the event that the fueling station is nolonger in operation, a lengthy and expensive process of removingeverything that was previously constructed (pilings, tanks, pumps,structure) must be competed to restore the land to a condition in whichit can be easier to sell and/or meet zoning or land ordinances. In manycases, once installed, such facilities cannot practically be moved todifferent locations, or be sold.

Known “permanent” fueling stations also suffer from additionaldrawbacks. In remote areas where fuel is required, or may be required onshort notice, it may not be practical to go through this lengthy andexpensive planning and construction process to meet fuel demand. Inaddition, due to the lack of infrastructure in many remote areas, e.g.,accessibility to the energy/electricity grid, it may not even befeasible to construct known fueling stations in such areas. Inparticular, the electrical energy required to operate the pumps, lights,credit card machines, etc. may simply not be readily available.

In view of the above-described drawbacks of known fueling stations,there is a need for a more environmentally friendly fueling station thatcan be planned, constructed and placed into service in a much shorteramount of time and at a lower cost than known stations. In addition,there is a need for a fueling station that is modular, mobile and thatcan be quickly and easily assembled in remote locations and operateself-sufficiently with little or no drawing of power from the electricalgrid.

In addition to the above, the use of alternative energy sources isstarting to become more prevalent in fuel markets. Indeed, the use anddemand of alternative energy fuel for transportation is increasing at arapid pace, and the types of fuels demanded and the consumption ratesthereof can be expected to increase drastically from what has been seento date. Accordingly, new generations of fuel distribution stations mustbe flexible in terms of their size and the types of fuel that they canstore and dispense, as well as flexible in terms of changing their sizeand/or location in response to dynamically changing markets. There is aneed for fuel distribution stations that are able to distributedifferent types of fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas,hydrogen, methanol and electricity to quickly charge electric cars.

With the forgoing problems and concerns in mind, it is the generalobject of the present invention to provide an environmentally friendlymobile fuel distribution station and related method of quicklytransporting and assembling a mobile fuel distribution station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the forgoing concerns and needs in mind, it is the general objectof the present invention to provide a mobile fuel distribution station.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that may be easily and quickly installed in aminimum space.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that enables automobiles to easily ingress andegress therefrom.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that is easily integrated with additionalcomponents to form a fueling station of any desired size.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that is very efficient in terms of powerconsumption.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that does not require mechanical pumping todispense fuel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that can operate without drawing electricity fromthe power grid.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that has a low environmental impact.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile fueldistribution station that uses gravity to dispense fuel.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that uses a minimum number of pipes and wiringand requires no public works for its installation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that may be easily assembled and disassembled.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that is self-sufficient and can operate inremote areas.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that can be moved form one location toanother.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that complies with industry standards fortransportation on trucks and ships.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station is configured for complete self-service.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that has storage tanks capable of storingvarious types of fuel such as gasoline, diesel, CNG (compressed naturalgas), LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), hydrogen and methanol.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that can supply various types of fuel such asgasoline, diesel, biodiesel, hydrogen, methanol, CNG, LPG and electricpower.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that may be remotely monitored by a centralcontrol station or command center.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station having container assemblies that can easily beexchanged with other assemblies to replace equipment contained by suchassemblies, and to perform maintenance on equipment without having longperiods of down time.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilefuel distribution station that can easily be manufactured, transportedand assembled.

These and other objectives of the present invention, and their preferredembodiments, shall become clear by consideration of the specification,claims and drawings taken as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood from reading thefollowing description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to theattached drawings, wherein below:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a mobile fuel distribution stationin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mobile fuel distribution station ofFIG. 1 shown without the storage tanks, and shown located adjacent aroadway.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the mobile fuel distribution station ofFIG. 1 shown located adjacent a roadway.

FIG. 5 is a detail, top plan view of the mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 1 (with the roof not shown).

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a main container assembly of the mobilefuel distribution station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the main container assembly of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the main container assembly of FIG.6.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an auxiliary container assembly of themobile fuel distribution station of FIG. 1 having an auxiliary fuelstorage tank.

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the auxiliary container assemblyand auxiliary fuel tank of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the auxiliary container assemblyand auxiliary fuel tank of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an equipment container assembly of themobile fuel distribution station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of the equipment container assemblyof FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the equipment container assemblyof FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a long leg of the mobile fueldistribution station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the long leg of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the long leg of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of a short leg of the mobile fueldistribution station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the short leg of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a detail, front elevational view of a central platform of themobile fuel distribution station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the central platform of the mobilefuel distribution station of FIG. 1, taken along line C-C of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 1 with the perimeter structure removed and showing theattachment of the legs to the tank.

FIG. 23 is an end elevational view of the mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 1 with the perimeter structure removed and showing theattachment of the legs to the tank.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B of FIG. 5.

FIG. 26 shows a large size modular panel of the mobile FIG. 46 mobilefuel distribution station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 27 shows a medium size modular panel of the mobile fueldistribution station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 28 shows a small size modular panel of the mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 1.

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a wheel system of the mobile fueldistribution station of FIG. 1 shown in a retracted position.

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the wheel system of FIG. 29 shownin an engaged position.

FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of the wheel system of FIG. 29 shownin an engaged position.

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a three-tank mobile fuel distributionstation installed in the footprint of 6 spaces for automotive vehiclesin a parking lot, shown without the container assemblies, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the three-tank mobile fuel distributionstation of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of the three-tank mobile fueldistribution station of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is an end elevational view of the three-tank mobile fueldistribution station of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of a six-tank mobile fuel distributionstation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is an end elevational view of the six-tank station fueldistribution station of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 illustrates a packing configuration of the mobile fueldistribution station of FIG. 1, for transportation in a semi-trailertruck.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of a command center for monitoring aplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram (top plan view) of a mobile fueldistribution station configured for delivering compressed natural gas inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a top plan view of a CNG container assembly of the mobilefuel distribution station of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of the CNG container assembly of FIG.

41.

FIG. 43 is an end elevational view of the CNG container assembly of FIG.41.

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram (top plan view) of a mobile fueldistribution station for delivering hydrogen fuel in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, a modular, environmentally friendlymobile fuel distribution station 10 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. With specific reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,the environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station 10includes a generally rectangular operation platform 12, a plurality oflegs 14 that support the operation platform 12 in an elevated positionabove the ground and a central platform 16 that provides a serviceinterface for patrons of the station 10. The operation platform 12 iscovered by a plurality of modular panels 18 that function to both blockfrom view, and protect, the main functional components of the station 10housed within the operation platform 12, as discussed in detail below.As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the central platform 16 is operativelyconnected to a pair of the legs 14. The legs 14, themselves, are joinedtogether by rigid linkage elements 20, which provide increased rigidityand support to the station 10. In the preferred embodiment, exactlythree legs 14 support the operation platform 12 in an elevated position,although a support structure having more or less than three legs is alsopossible without departing from the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

The mobile fuel distribution station 10 further includes at least onealternative power generation device, such as one or more solar panels22, supported in an elevated position by the legs 14. The solar panels14 are tiltable and rotatable 360 degrees to collect and convertsunlight to electricity to provide power to the mobile fuel distributionstation 10, as discussed below. While a solar panel 22 is utilized asthe alternative power generation device in the preferred embodiment,other alternative power generation devices, such as a wind turbine, mayalso be utilized alone or in combination with the solar panels 22without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation platform 12 generallycomprises at least one, and preferably two, main containerassemblies/modules 24, at least one, and preferably two, auxiliarycontainer assemblies/modules 26 and at least one, and preferably two,equipment room container assemblies/modules 36. Detail views of thesecontainer assemblies are best shown in FIGS. 6-14. As first shown inFIGS. 6-8, each main container assembly 24 includes a generally tubularfuel storage tank 28 mounted within a generally rectangular frame 30.Optionally, the main container assembly may be enclosed by walls (notillustrated). Preferably, the storage tank 28 is elliptical in crosssection, although tanks of other shapes and types, such as atmosphericpressure, high pressure or cryogenic tanks, are certainly possiblewithout departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Importantly, the main fuel storage tank 28 and/or frame 30 surroundingthe tank are configured with mounting brackets 32 for attaching variouscontainer assemblies together (such as a main container assembly 24 withan auxiliary container assembly 26). The mounting brackets are alsoutilized for attaching the legs 14 to the container assembly 24, asdiscussed in more detail below, so that the main container assembly 24may be supported in an elevated position a predetermined distance aboveground. The mounting brackets 32 also act as a support to effect themounting of modular panels 18. In the preferred embodiment, at leastsome of the mounting brackets 32 are integrally formed with, welded toor otherwise directly fastened to the main fuel storage tank 28. Asshown in FIGS. 6-8, each longitudinal side of the main storage tank 28preferably has four pairs of mounting brackets 32 and each lateral sidehas two pairs of mounting brackets 32, although more or fewer mountingbrackets arranged in any configuration may be used without departingfrom the broader aspects of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 9-11, enlarged views of an auxiliary containerassembly 26 having an auxiliary storage tank 34 are shown. The auxiliarycontainer assembly 26 includes a generally tubular auxiliary fuelstorage tank 34 mounted within a generally rectangular frame 30.Preferably, the auxiliary storage tank 34 is elliptical in crosssection, although auxiliary tanks having alternative cross-sectionalshapes and types, such as atmospheric pressure, high pressure orcryogenic tanks, are certainly possible without departing from thebroader aspects of the present invention. As will be readilyappreciated, the auxiliary fuel storage tank 34 is much shorter inlength than the main storage tank 28 and provides the fuel distributionstation 10 with additional fuel capacity. Optionally, the auxiliarycontainer assembly 26 may also be enclosed by walls (not illustrated)

The auxiliary storage tank 34 and/or frame 30 surrounding the tank actas assembly modules and are also configured with mounting brackets 32for attaching various container assemblies/modules together (such as amain container assembly 24 with the auxiliary container assembly 26),for attaching the legs 14 to the container assemblies, if desired, sothat the container assemblies may be supported in an elevated position,and for releasably attaching the modular panels 18, as discussed below.In the preferred embodiment, at least some of the mounting brackets 32are integrally formed with, welded to or otherwise directly fastened tothe auxiliary fuel storage tank 34. As shown therein, each longitudinalside of the storage tank 34 or frame has two pairs of mounting brackets32 and each lateral side has one pair of mounting brackets 32, althoughmore or fewer mounting brackets arranged in any configuration may beused without departing from the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

Turning now to FIG. 12-14, enlarged views of an auxiliary containerassembly in the form of an equipment room container assembly/module 36are shown. As shown therein the equipment room container assembly 36includes a generally rectangular frame 30 defining an open containerspace 38 therein and a plurality of mounting brackets 32 for attachingvarious container assemblies together (such as a main container assembly24 with the equipment room container assembly 36), for attaching thelegs 14 to the container assembly so that the main container assembly 24may be supported in an elevated position, and for attaching the modularpanels 18. In the preferred embodiment, each longitudinal side of theframe 30 has two pairs of mounting brackets 32 and each lateral side hasone pair of mounting brackets 32, although more or fewer mountingbrackets arranged in any configuration may be used without departingfrom the broader aspects of the present invention. The equipment roomcontainer assembly 36 may be enclosed along one or more sides and can beused as an engine, equipment or storage room and can house mechanical,electrical or other type of equipment as well as a control system forstoring and communicating information and parameters relevant to themobile fuel distribution station 10, as discussed in detail below. Aswill be readily appreciated, the equipment room container assembly 36 isthe same configuration as the auxiliary container assembly 26, albeitwithout the auxiliary fuel storage tank 34.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the basic mobile fuel distribution station 10includes two main container assemblies 24 positioned side by side.Importantly, the main container assemblies 24 are rigidly affixed to oneanother by way of the mounting brackets 32. In particular, the mountingbrackets 32 integrally formed with the longitudinal sides of each tank28 are aligned and brought into registration with one another such thatbolts or the like can be provided through apertures in the brackets 32to secure the brackets 32, and thus the tanks 28, together.Alternatively, the mounting brackets 32 may be welded together toprovide the desired rigid connection between the tanks. It should benoted, however, that the present invention is not limited in thisregard, as only a single tank 28 may be supported in the operationplatform 12 without departing from the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

As further shown therein, the basic station 10 further includes twoauxiliary container assemblies 26 attached by appropriate mountingbrackets 32 to respective ends of one of the main container assemblies24 and two equipment room container assemblies 36 attached byappropriate mounting brackets 32 to respective ends of the other of thepair of main container assemblies 24. Moreover, each auxiliary containerassembly 26 is rigidly attached to the end of one of the main containerassemblies 24 by way of the provided mounting brackets 32. Inparticular, the mounting brackets 32 integrally formed on one end of theauxiliary fuel storage tank 34 are aligned and brought into registrationwith the mounting brackets 32 integrally formed with the end of one ofthe main fuel storage tanks 28. As described above, bolts or the likeare then provided through the apertures in the brackets 32 to affix thebrackets 32 to one another and to thereby rigidly attach the auxiliaryfuel storage tank 34 to the main fuel storage tank 28.

As will be readily appreciated, the equipment room container assemblies36 are attached to the ends of the main container assemblies 24 and thesides of the auxiliary container assemblies 26 by mounting brackets 32attached to the respective frames 30. In particular, mounting brackets32 attached to the equipment room assembly frame 30 are brought intoregistration with the mounting brackets 32 attached to the maincontainer assembly frame 30 and auxiliary container assembly frame 30,respectively, such that bolts may be used to secure the brackets 32, andthus the frames 30 of the container assemblies 24,26,36, together.

Turning now to FIGS. 15-19, the configuration of the support legs 14 forsupporting the operation platform 12, including the main containerassemblies 24, auxiliary container assemblies 26 and equipment roomcontainer assemblies 36, as well as the associated fuel tanks 28,34 andoperational components, in an elevated position, is shown. In thepreferred embodiment, there are two types of legs 14 that are employed.The first type of leg 14, as shown in FIGS. 15-17, is tall and includesa plurality of mounting brackets 32 rigidly connected to and extendingfrom an upper end thereof for mounting to corresponding mountingbrackets 32 on one of the main container assemblies 24. As will bereadily appreciated, bolts may be provided through the apertures in themounting brackets 32 to rigidly affix this support leg 14 directly toone of the main container assemblies 24 to support the operationplatform 12 above the ground. These legs 14 also have a top cover 40enclosing an interior of the legs 14, shoes 42 at a bottom end thereofand a bushing 44 for accommodating a wheel assembly for adjusting aposition or orientation of the station 10, as described below. As willbe readily appreciated, the shoe 42 has a larger diameter than thesupport leg 14 itself, which provides a greater area of contact betweenthe station 10 and the ground, thereby providing enhanced support andstability for the station 10.

The second type of leg 14, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, is shorter andhas a shoe at 42 the bottom end thereof for providing a greater area ofcontact with the ground, a mounting flange 46 at a top end thereof and abushing 44 for accommodating a wheel assembly. Of course, the legs 14may all be of the same height, or may all have different heights,without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

In addition, while the legs 14 are shown as being cylindricalcross-section, legs having alternative cross-sectional shapes, such assquare, may alternatively be employed.

Preferably, one or more of the legs 14 are made of a composite armor orare otherwise armor plated or have an armored skin or panels 18 toprotect the interior pipelines and components housed therein, asdiscussed below, from puncture or damage. Additionally, as discussedabove, each leg 14 may have a cap or cover 40 to further protect thesupply and distribution pipelines housed within the legs 14, asdiscussed below, from the elements. A ladder support 48 foraccommodating a ladder for accessing the tanks 28, 34 and the othercomponents within the operation platform 12 is fixedly secured to atleast one of the support legs 14. In operation, an operator or servicetechnician can hook a ladder onto this support 48 and climb the ladderto reach an access door 50 in the underside of the operation platform12.

With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, a single tall leg 14 is rigidlyconnected to one of the main fuel storage tanks 28 by fastening themounting brackets 32 extending from the upper end the leg with thecorresponding mounting brackets 32 integrally formed with a longitudinalside of the tank 28. As will be readily appreciated, during assembly,the corresponding brackets 32 are brought into alignment with oneanother such that bolts can be provided through apertures therein tosecure the brackets 32 together. As best shown in FIG. 23, two shortlegs 14 are positioned opposite the tall leg 14 beneath the other mainfuel storage tank 28 to support the other side of the station 10. Theshorter legs 14 may be bolted or otherwise fastened directly to the mainfuel tank 28 by means known in the art, such as welding or the like.Importantly, when rigidly connected to the operation platform 12, thelegs 14 are arranged beneath the fuel tanks 28, 34 in a substantiallytriangular configuration when viewed from above.

In order to provide rigidity and increased support to the mobile fueldistribution station 10, linkage elements 20 rigidly connect the supportlegs 14 together, as disclosed above. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 24, theselinkage elements 20 are attached to the legs 14 by joint couplings (notshown) positioned just above the shoe 42 of the legs 14 (i.e., justabove the ground). Importantly, by locating the linkage elements 20adjacent to the ground, the linkage elements 20 not only provideincreased rigidity and support for the mobile fuel distribution station10, but also function as physical speed bumps to force drivers ofautomobiles to slow down inside the fueling area, thereby increasingsafety.

As will be readily appreciated, the triangular configuration of thethree support legs 14 of the mobile fuel distribution station 10 of thepresent invention allows for a unique and less restrictive traffic andflow pattern for automobiles passing underneath. In connection withthis, the three leg support structure allows for an increased number ofpaths of ingress and egress for automobiles, as compared to knownfueling stations having four or more supports, while at the same timeprovides a solid and balanced support structure for the station 10. As aresult of this heretofore unknown support leg configuration, the mobilefuel distribution station 10 of the present invention has an increasednumber of paths of ingress and egress as compared to existing stations.

In stark contrast to the present invention, it will be readilyappreciated that known static, non-modular fueling stations require fouror more supports to hold a ceiling in an elevated position. This isdisadvantageous in that the potential traffic patterns for automobilespassing underneath is extremely limited. Indeed, know fueling stationsemploying four or more support posts only allow automobiles to enter orexit in one or two directions.

Moreover, by only requiring three legs 14, reductions in materials forconstruction can be realized and, as will be discussed in more detaillater, the three legs enable the rapid expansion of the station 10,wherein one of the three legs 14 may be utilized to partially support asecondary assembly or module.

The rigid connection of the main tanks 28 and auxiliary tanks 34, andthe rigid connection of the equipment room container assemblies 36 withthe main container assemblies 24 and auxiliary container assemblies 26,as discussed above, is also an important aspect of the presentinvention. That is, it is an important aspect of the present inventionthat the collective weight of the operation platform 12, including theweight of all assembly modules, fuel tanks, accessories and piping isdistributed via the frame assemblies 30 through the actual body of thefuel tank 28. Thus, the collective weight of the operation platform 12,and all elements housed within, is distributed through the fuel tank 28itself and into the elevating support structure, i.e., the legs 14.

It will be readily appreciated that by utilizing the body of the fueltank 28 itself to distribute the weight of the operation platform 12 tothe legs 14, material and costs savings can be realized. Indeed, therigidly connected fuel tanks 28 act not just as passive elements (i.e.,for the storage of fuel), but rather as active, load bearing anddistribution elements. By rigidly connecting the fuel tanks 28,34, thetanks 28,34 act as a load-bearing beam, with the load from all of thecomponents of the operation platform 12 being transmitted thereto. Asthe fuel tanks 28,34, and the main fuel storage tanks 28, in particular,serve the dual purpose of fuel storage and being the main structural andload bearing component of the station 10, material and cost savings arerealized by eliminating the need for heavy and expensive supports, suchas I-beams and the like, under the operation platform 12, therebyfurther reducing the materials and associated costs for building andtransporting the mobile fuel station 10.

Referring back to FIGS. 20 and 21, detail views of the central platform16 are shown. As shown therein, the central platform 16 is generallyrectangular in shape and is operatively connected to a pair of legs 14on one side of the station, on which fuel dispensers 52 for dispensingfuel from the fuel storage tanks 28,34 to patrons are mounted. Theplatform is comprised of three pieces, a central piece 54 and twoopposed end pieces 56. The central piece 54 fits between the two legs 14and the end pieces 56 bolt thereto with bolts 58 to encase the legs 14,as shown. The platform 16 is attached to the legs 14 with bolts justabove the shoes 42 such that the whole weight of the platform 16 and theequipment it contains is transferred to, and supported by, the legs 14(i.e., the legs 14 bear substantially the entire weight of the centralplatform 16). Importantly, as the platform is not secured to the ground,in contrast to known fueling stations that utilize rebar and pouredconcrete to permanently secure the fueling platform to the ground, thefuel distribution station 10 of the present invention remains mobile andis not permanent. As shown in FIG. 20, the platform 16 preferablyincludes a vending machine 60, or the like, for dispensing snacks,drinks or other items to patrons.

As discussed above, the mobile fuel distribution station 10 includes analternative power generation device supported by the legs 14 and inclose association with the operation platform 12 and, in particular, themain fuel tanks 28. As shown in FIGS. 5, 24 and 25, the alternativepower generation device is preferably at least one solar panel 22mounted on a pedestal 62 and operatively connected to the frame 30 orthe upper surface of one of the main fuel storage tanks 28. In thepreferred embodiment, each main fuel storage tank 28 has a solar panel22 configured therewith. As discussed above, the solar panels 22 arepreferably positioned above the fuel storage tanks 28 and are tiltableand rotatable 360 degrees to collect and convert sunlight to electricityto provide power to the mobile fuel distribution station 10. Preferably,the electricity generated from the solar panels 22 is stored in abattery bank 64 having one or more batteries 66 and located within oneof the equipment room container assemblies 36, as shown in FIG. 5.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates theuse of one or more solar panels 22 to power the station 10, other formsof alternative energy may also be used. For example, a wind turbine forharvesting wind energy may be placed in electrical communication withthe station 10 to provide operating power thereto. Indeed, a combinationof two power sources (e.g., wind and solar) is also envisioned.

With further reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, a specific configuration ofthe main fuel tanks 28 and auxiliary fuel tanks 34 is shown. As showntherein, the main tank 28 and auxiliary tanks 34 have a selectivelycloseable/coverable aperture or passageway 68 to prove access to theinterior of the tanks 28,34 for cleaning and/or other servicing.Importantly, the interior of the tanks include longitudinal divisionplates 70 and transverse division plates 72, having perforations orapertures therein, integrally formed with or otherwise rigidly attachedto the walls of the tanks 28,34 that function to provide structuralrigidity to the tanks 28,34. Importantly, the division plates 70,72provide strength to the tanks 28,34 to allow for the tanks 28,34 tosupport the weight of the operation platform 12 and related components,as discussed above. These division plates 70,72 additionally function asa jetty to inhibit movement of fuel inside the tanks 24,34 in case of anearthquake or other impact force on the fuel distribution station thatcould, in certain instances, create uneven load distributions. As thefuel within the tanks 28,34 is partitioned, for the most part (with theexception of movement through the perforations), uneven loaddistributions due to any swaying or shaking of the station 10, such asby impact from an automobile, are minimized. The main and auxiliary fueltanks 28,34 are preferably made of metal, although polymers and othermaterials known in the art and sufficient to support the weight of theoperation platform 12 may also be used for the tank construction withoutdeparting from the broader aspects of the present invention.

As best shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, as well as in FIG. 5, the main andauxiliary fuel storage tanks additionally include necessary, couplings,piping, vents and siphons necessary for fuel loading and distribution.The piping installed through apertures in the tanks for loading anddistribution may all have remote safety valves. In case of emergency,these safety valves may be easily operated by a central office/commandcenter by remote control and/or from the lower part of the fueldistribution station where the fuel dispensers are located, as discussedin detail below. In particular, the loading pipeline 74 has a globevalve 76 integrated therein for regulating the flow of fuel from asupply truck to the tanks 28,34. At a distal end of the loading pipelineis an interior load siphon 78 to avoid producing fuel vaporization whenthe tanks 28,34 are being filled.

As further shown therein, the distribution pipeline 80 extends from thebottom of the tanks 28,34, through one or more of the legs 14, to thefuel dispensers 52, so that fuel can be dispensed from the storage tanks28,34 to the dispensers 52, and ultimately to patrons on demand. Thedistribution pipeline 80 preferably includes an automatic security valve82 and a solenoid valve 84 for regulating the flow of fuel out of thetanks 28,34 and for automatically ceasing flow if certain undesirable orunsafe conditions are detected. A sensor 86 for inventory control, suchas those known in the art, is positioned inside each tank 28,34 so thatan operator can monitor the level of fuel therein. An output of thissensor can be relayed to a remote command center, as discussed in detailbelow. Moreover, a hose 87 for vapor recovery is routed from the fueldispensers 52, where vapors can be collected, through the centralplatform 16 and up one or more of the support legs 14 to an area abovethe storage tanks 28,34 where the vapors may be discharged.

As further shown therein, ventilation couplings 88 and a fixture for thecontrol of vapors 90 provide a passageway from the main tanks 28 todissipate gases generated inside the tanks 28. The ventilation couplings88 and the fixture for the control of vapors 90 also serve to eliminateand dissipate fuel vapors that could become trapped within the station10. A vacuum-pressure valve 92, a purging device 94 and an entrance forvapor recovery 96 are also provided as passageways from the tanks 28 toambient air. As best shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, the main fuel storagetanks 28 and auxiliary fuel storage tanks 34 have a flat, planar area 98running the length of the tanks to allow for an operator or servicetechnician to walk on top of the tanks 28,34 for servicing andmaintenance.

As shown in FIG. 25, the operation platform 12 is also configured withan anti-fire system 100 that includes an extinguisher tank 102containing a fire-retardant foam, a fire detection module (not shown),and a foam injector 104 in fluid communication with the extinguishertank. In the preferred embodiment, the extinguisher tank 102 is housedwithin one of the equipment room container assemblies 36. The firedetection module includes one or more sensors for detecting fire, hightemperatures, and/or smoke. In operation, upon detecting fire or smoke,the system 100 automatically dispenses the fire-retardant foam from theextinguisher tank 102 and distributes it through a conduit to the foaminjector 104. The foam injector 104 is configured to spray or otherwiseblanket the operation platform 12 and, in particular, the fuel storagetanks 28,34, with the foam to stem the spread of fire.

With further reference to FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment one of theequipment room container assemblies 36 houses an inverter, the batterybank 64 having a plurality of batteries 68 for storing electricity forpowering the mobile fuel distribution station as discussed above, and afossil fuel power generator 106.

As discussed previously, the main source of electrical power for thestation 10 is envisioned to be an alternative energy generation device,such as the solar panel 22 and battery bank 64, wind turbine or thelike. In the event that the alternative energy power generation devicecannot keep up with electrical demand for whatever reason, however, thefossil fuel generator 106 can automatically provide backup or auxiliarypower to keep the station 10 in service. For example, it may benecessary to provide additional power during refilling of the fuel tanks28,34 from a supply truck. For safety reasons as well, a backup powersupply is desirable. In the preferred embodiment, the power generator106 may be a diesel, gasoline, CNG or other type of generator, which maypreferably operate using the fuel stored in one of the fuel storagetanks 28,34, or the public power source from the power grid, ifavailable.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary fuel tank 34 or the main fuel tank 28may be operationally integrated with the fossil fuel generator 106 forsupplying power to the station 10 in the event the alternative powergeneration device is either non-operational or operating at a powerlevel below optimum.

As further shown therein, the other equipment room container assembly 36houses the main components of the automatic anti-fire system 100 as wellas an air compressor 108. This equipment room container assembly 36 alsohas an access door 112 for allowing a person to access the top side ofthe mobile fuel distribution station 10. As will be readily appreciated,however, each of the equipment room container assemblies may haveselectively lockable access doors 50 to allow access to the room frombelow, as disclosed above. In addition, each of the equipment roomcontainer assemblies 36 can be used to store any desired equipment orcomponents. Importantly, by housing the majority of components in theequipment rooms 36 in an elevated position above the main fueling area,they are kept out of reach and out of sight of patrons. In addition,such a configuration allows all components to be physically kept on thestation 10, as opposed to apart from the station 10, such that everysingle component or piece of equipment is moved or relocatedsimultaneously when the station 10 is moved or relocated.

As alluded to above, the operation platform 12 includes a plurality ofmodular panels 18 that function to both block from view, and protect,the main functional components of the station 10 housed on or within theoperation platform 12. These modular panels are best shown in FIG. 26-28and are preferably three different sizes. As will be readilyappreciated, the modular panels are oriented substantially verticallyand are releasably affixed, such as by bolting or securing by othermeans known in the art, to the frame 30 of the container assemblies24,26,36 such that they entirely surround the operation platform 12(main container assemblies 24, auxiliary container assemblies 26 andequipment room container assemblies 36) of the mobile fuel distributionstation 10. While the modular panels 18 may be manufactured from anymaterial known in the art, such as fiberglass, sheet metal, stainlesssteel and the like, it is preferred that the modular panels 18 arecomposite armor panels such that in their assembled position the panels18 form a armored skin sufficient to protect the main and auxiliary fuelstorage tanks 28,34, equipment and piping from damage or puncture frombullets and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the modular panels18 forming a composite armor skin may also be configured about thealternative power generation device, such as the solar panel 22, foradded protection.

The modular panels 18 may be outfitted with advertising, brandidentifying or other information such company logo, type of fueloffered, price of fuel, etc. In addition, or alternatively, anelectronic, digital display may be attached to the modular panels todigitally display this information. In the preferred embodiment, theelectronic display may be powered by the alternative energy generationdevice (i.e., the solar panel 22, wind turbine or the like) or by thebackup fossil fuel generator 106.

A roof 110, preferably in the form of one or more fiberglass panels maycover the entire operation platform 12 including the two main containerassemblies 24, the two auxiliary container assemblies 26 and the twoequipment room container assemblies 36. A gate 112 in the roof 110, asdisclosed above, allows for access to the top of the station 10. A watercollection canal 114 may be configured on an inner surface of themodular panels 18 or attached to the frame 30 and preferably extendsalong the entire inner periphery of the operation platform 12. Inoperation, as rainwater falls on the roof 110 of mobile fueldistribution station 10, it is guided by a sloped contour of the roofinto the collection canals 114. A series of conduits and pipes 115 thenguide the accumulated water from the collection canals 114 downwards tothe ground and away from the station 10.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 22-25 a ceiling structure 116is attached to the bottom of the frame 30 of the container assemblies24,26,36 or other structural elements by means known in the art, such asnuts and bolts. The ceiling structure 116 functions to shield the maintanks 28, auxiliary tanks 34 and other components of the station 10 fromview from below, adding to the aesthetics of the station 10, as well aproviding a place to mount low consumption lighting for illuminating thearea beneath the station 10. In particular, the ceiling structure 116may be used as a surface to mount lamps 118 for illuminating the areabeneath the station. The ceiling structure 116 may also serve as asurface to mount emergency lamps 120 that can run on back-up batterypower in the event the main lamps 118 are not operable. While theceiling structure 116 may be manufactured from any material known in theart, such as fiberglass, sheet metal, stainless steel and the like, itis preferred that the ceiling structure 116 is also comprised ofcomposite armor panels 18 sufficient to protect the main and auxiliaryfuel storage tanks 28,34, equipment and piping from damage or puncturefrom bullets in the like. As further shown therein, an electricalcontrol panel 122 is attached to one of the legs 14 of the station 10 sothat an operator of the station may control the lighting and otheroperations such as refueling and the like.

As disclosed above, the operation platform 12 and the legs 14 may beconfigured with composite armor panels or skin, or manufactured fromcomposite armor materials to protect the storage tanks 28, 34, pipelinesand equipment from projectiles, such as bullets and the like. In thepreferred embodiment, one or more of the support legs 14 are hollow, asshown in FIGS. 24 and 25, and function to provide a protective housingfor the various pipes and wires that route fuel, electrical wires andthe like throughout the fuel distribution station 10. In particular, atleast the pair of legs 14 on one side of the station are hollow andserve as a protective housing to house and protect pipes running fromthe fuel tanks 28,34 to the fuel dispensers 52 that are located on thecentral platform 12 between the pair of support legs 14. Moreover, theportion of the pipes routed under or within the central platform 12 arealso protected by the platform 12, which may also be formed from orprotected by a composite armor skin. The pipes that direct the fuel fromthe storage tank to the supply dispensers 52 may be either rigid orflexible. In addition, at least one of the support legs 14 functions asan armored housing to protect the loading pipeline 74 that is need tosupply fuel to the storage tanks 28,34 located in the operation platform12 when refilling is needed, as best shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

As further shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a progressive cavity pump 124,together with an explosion-proof electric engine may also be housedwithin one of the hollow support legs 14 to pump supply fuel from atanker truck or the like to the storage tanks 28,34. In connection withthe progressive cavity pump 124, a manual safety globe valve 76 and acheck valve 126 may also be positioned along the loading pipeline withinthe leg 14 that enables the passage of fuel from a supply truck and upthrough the supply piping into the storage tanks 28,34, but whichprevents fuel flow in the reverse direction to prevent fuel fromspilling out. A connection 128 for fuel loading is provided at bottomend of the loading pipeline 74 to allow for a supply hose from a tankertruck to be placed in fluid communication with the loading pipeline 74.Controlled access for the valves and connection may be provided via adoor or gate 130 in the support leg or legs 14. Therefore, as will bereadily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the tanks28,34, pump 124, associated fuel lines 80, and fuel dispensers 52 havinga nozzles comprise a distribution means for facilitating the measuredand monitored dispensing of fuel.

In an alternative embodiment, the pump 124 and electric engine may beomitted from the fuel distribution station 10. In this embodiment, thepump supplying fuel to the storage tank may instead be integrated withthe supply truck. As will be readily appreciated, omitting the pump 124from the station 10 further decreases assembly time and minimizes costs.

As noted above, the environmentally friendly mobile fuel distributionstation 10 may also include a wheel assembly 132 for providing a meansof selectively moving or adjusting the position of the mobile fueldistribution station 10. The wheel assembly 132 is best shown in FIGS.29-31. As shown therein, the wheel assembly 132 is operatively connectedto one or more of the support legs 14 via a metal axis 134 providedthrough the support leg bushing 44. The axis 134 may be made of steel orother material capable of supporting the weight of the station 10. Thebushings 44 mounted in the legs facilitate rotation of the axis 134relative to the support legs 134 to allow for engagement anddisengagement, respectively, of the wheel assembly 132, as discussed indetail hereinafter. Wheel supports 136 having a generally triangularshaped truss configuration extend from the axis 134 on both sides of thesupport leg 14 and have a wheel or tire 138 mounted thereto.

Preferably, the wheel assembly 132 has two wheels or tires 138 that areconnected to the wheel supports 136 with a second steel axis 134 andnuts 140 on opposing sides of one or more support legs 14. A coupling142 joins the two wheel supports 136 on opposing sides of the supportleg 14 together to provide increased rigidity and strength to theassembly 132. As shown therein, the wheel assembly 132 is selectivelypivotable about the metal axis 134 from a first position, in which thewheel 138 is positioned above the ground (as shown in FIGS. 29), to asecond position, in which the wheel 138 is brought into contact with theground to lift the support leg 14 and shoe 42 off the ground to permitmovement of the station 10.

In the preferred embedment, each of the three support legs 14 has awheel assembly 132 attached thereto. In alternative embodiments,however, only one or two of the support legs 14 may be configured with awheel assembly. In such embodiments, to transport or move the locationof the mobile fuel distribution station 10, the support legs 14 notconfigured with a wheel assembly 132 may be lifted off the ground andtowed by a truck or the like to a desired location such that the mobilefuel distribution station 10 maintains contact with the ground onlythrough the tires 138 of the wheel assembly 132.

The wheel assembly 132 is an important aspect of the present inventionas it allows the station 10 to be easily moved once it is assembled. Forexample, it could be moved from location to location, as needed, or itcan be moved within a parking lot or the like to orient the station 10as desired in response to changing traffic patterns and the like. Aswill be readily appreciated, the ability to rotate or change theposition of the station 10 within a parking lot lends added flexibilityto the mobile fuel distribution station 10. Such flexibility is simplynot possible with existing stations that are permanently anchored in theground.

The mobile fuel distribution station 10 of the present invention mayalso have a number of additional components that provide a variety ofsafety features. For example, the fuel distribution station may includea lightning arrester system including one or more lightning rods 144 forpreventing or minimizing damage to the station due to a lightningstrike. The lightning rods 144 are preferably mounted to one of thesupport legs 14 or the panels 18 of the station 10, extendssubstantially vertically therefrom, and is grounded so as to direct theelectricity of a lightning strike down the structure to the earth,preferably through a ground rod (not shown).

As alluded to above, the mobile fuel distribution station 10 of thepresent invention may also include an electronic control system forremote inventory control, supply, sales, video image transmission,automobile recognition, care of emergency situations and customerservice. The electronic control system is connected via satellite, opticfiber, or the like, and is linked to a control headquarters of commandcenter, thereby enabling service provision and information in real timefrom a remote location. Importantly, the control system is electricallyconnected to the sensors for inventory control 86 and the fueldispensers 52 and is configured for selectively permitting andmonitoring a discharge of fuel from the station 10.

As will be readily appreciated, the control system is configured tomonitor numerous parameters of the fuel tanks 28,34 (such as type offuel in the tanks and level remaining) and the station as a whole. Inconnection with this, the mobile fuel distribution station has a videocamera 146 for monitoring the activity of customers around the station10. The sensor for inventory control 86 relays a level of fuel remainingin the tanks. In addition, the station has a credit card interface orpayment apparatus at each fuel dispenser 52 so that customers may payfor the purchase of fuel via credit card, debit card and the like,including a customized card containing automobile recognition oridentifying data. The mobile fuel distribution station 10 may furtherinclude a telecommunications interface (not shown) for directlyconnecting a patron to a service representative. The telecommunicationsinterface may have a microphone and a speaker whereby a pushbutton candirectly connect a patron to a service representative at a remotecommand center to troubleshoot or to answer questions relating topayment and the like. The interface may be located on the fuel dispenser52, a leg 14 of the station 10 or other area, but in any event, in anarea readily accessible to patrons.

This interconnected network of sensors, cameras and credit cardinterfaces comprises a control system operating via an array of controlcircuitry that can store and transmit data about the fuel distributionstation 10. In particular, the control system monitors the fueldistribution means, as disclosed above, and stores and transmits thisdata. Importantly, these sensors, cameras and interfaces require verylittle electricity and can be powered by the alternative powergeneration device, such as the solar panel 22. The control system alsomonitors energy production and usage and will augment or substitutepower from the fossil fuel generator 106 when power from the alternativepower generation device does not keep up with current demands. Thestation 10 additionally includes a satellite antenna 148 for wirelesslytransmitting the data collected by the various sensors, paymentapparatus and cameras to a remote command center, as discussed below.Importantly, even the satellite antenna 148 and associated wirelesstechnology can be powered by the on-site alternative energy generationdevice, or fossil fuel generator 106, if necessary. By collecting andstoring data parameters relating to the station, and by wirelesslytransmitting the data to the remote command center, the mobile fueldistribution station 10 may be controlled from the remote command centerin dependence upon the collected data parameters, as discussed below. Aswill be readily appreciated, by allowing the station 10 to be controlledform the remote command center, minimal or no staff must be present atthe physical station 10, thereby contributing to further cost savings.

Turning now to FIGS. 32-35, another important aspect of the presentinvention is the ability to add or subtract components from the basicmobile fuel distribution station disclosed above to form a mobile fueldistribution station of any desired size, as well as to provide for agreater plurality of possible fuels that could be dispensed from thefuel distribution station. As noted above, the basic mobile fueldistribution station 10 of the present invention preferably has threesupport legs 14 arranged in a triangular configuration such that twolegs are generally in line with one another along one longitudinal sideof the station 10, while the remaining third leg is positioned at alongitudinal midpoint of the station 10 along the opposing longitudinalside. If additional fuel tanks 28,34 or additional space for operationalcomponents are desired, additional main tank assemblies 24, auxiliarytank assemblies 26 or equipment room assemblies 34 can be added to thestation 10 by rigidly attaching such assemblies to the basic station 10by way of the mounting brackets 32. In certain embodiments, whenadditional container assemblies 24,26,34 are added, at least one of theexisting support legs 14 may be used to support the weight of suchassemblies.

FIGS. 32-35 show a three-tank mobile fuel distribution station 200installed in the footprint of 6 spaces for automotive vehicles in aparking lot. As best shown in FIG. 33, the station 200 is the same asthe basic station 10 disclosed above, but includes an additional maincontainer assembly 24 and two additional auxiliary container assemblies26. The additional main container assembly 24 is fixedly secured to oneof the other main container assemblies 24 by way of the integralmounting brackets 32 described above. Moreover, the additional auxiliarycontainer assemblies 26 are also fixedly secured to the additional maincontainer assembly 24 and the adjacent equipment room assemblies 36 inthe manner described above. As best shown in FIGS. 32, the three-tankmodule 200 uses two of the leg supports 24 of the basic station 10. Anadditional leg 14 is fixedly attached to the added main tank 28 in themanner described above to provide added support to the station 200. Asshown therein, four legs 14 (two tall legs and two short legs) supportthe three main tank assemblies 24, four auxiliary container assemblies26 and two equipment room assemblies 28 in an elevated position. Linkageelements 20 adjacent the ground, as described above, are used to connectthe support legs 14 to one another to provide additional rigidity andsupport. As shown in FIG. 35, a third solar panel 22 is also included togenerate additional power for powering the station 200.

As will be readily appreciated, the configuration of the containerassemblies 24,26,36 and the basic station 10 as a whole permitsadditional container assemblies, to be easily “stacked” together tocreate a mobile fuel distribution station of any desired size. Inparticular, additional container assemblies/modules may, themselves, beconsidered a secondary operation platform that can be fixedly attachedto the first operation platform to create a larger station capable ofoffering additional fuel type. Indeed, this configuration allowsadditional container assemblies 24,26,36 (secondary operation platform)to be integrated together with the first operation platform by sharingone or more support legs 14 to thereby expand fuel storage capacity andthe number of positions for fuel distribution, as desired.

An example of a larger mobile fuel distribution station is shown inFIGS. 36 and 37. In particular, FIGS. 36 and 37 show a mobile fueldistribution station 300 having six main container assemblies 24, eightauxiliary container assemblies 26 and four equipment room containerassemblies 36 is shown. As shown therein, additional containerassemblies are added to the basic mobile fuel distribution station 10discussed above wherein each added group of container assemblies sharesat least one common support leg 14 with another. As will be readilyappreciated, once installed, or during installation, the mobile fueldistribution module/station 300 can be oriented in almost any directiondepending on the space, direction of parking spaces, etc.

The fact that the main tanks 28, auxiliary tanks 34 and equipment rooms36 are formed as substantially rectangular container assemblies 24,26,36having a frame 30 and mounting brackets 32 is an important aspect of thepresent invention. As will be readily appreciated, these containerassemblies 24,26,34 can be manufactured and assembled, in whole or inpart, prior to final assembly at the desired distribution location.Moreover, as shown in FIG. 38, all of the components for a basic mobilefuel distribution module 10 can fit into a single standardtractor-trailer truck 400. Likewise, all of the components can fit intoa single cargo container for transportation by ship anywhere in theworld. In connection with this, each of the container assemblies isdesigned in accordance with industry standards for preparing andtransporting cargo. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, thebasic station 10, for shipping purposes, includes:

-   -   1) 2-20′ main container assemblies 24    -   2) 2-4′ auxiliary container assemblies 26    -   3) 2-4′ equipment room container assemblies 36    -   4) 1-20′×4′3″×8′ container 402 (to transport all remaining        components, e.g., fuel dispensers, hoses, piping, legs, central        platform, lamps, modular panels, etc.)    -   5) 1-4′ container 404 (to transport additional accessories)

Accordingly, this design allows for each mobile fuel distributionstation 10 to be at least partly assembled at a plant or manufacturinglocation and then shipped, via a single standard 40′ long shipping/cargocontainer, anywhere in the world. Once the container arrives onlocation, the main container assemblies 24, auxiliary containerassemblies 26 and equipment room container assemblies 36 can be joinedtogether via the mounting brackets 32, the legs 14 installed, and theequipment interconnections including piping, hoses, electrical wires,etc. run to and from the various components to provide a functioningstation 10. In contrast to known fueling stations, which take weeks,months or even years to complete, the mobile fuel distribution station10 of the present invention can be assembled on site within 2-3 days. Aswill be readily appreciated, however, the more assembly of componentsthat is done off-site prior to arriving at the installation location,the quicker the station can ultimately be assembled. Accordingly, thefact that the modules/assemblies of the mobile fuel distribution station10 are designed in accordance with industry standards for preparing andtransporting cargo allows for the construction of a mobile on-demandfueling station 10 anywhere in the world.

If larger fueling stations are desired, multiple container assemblies24,26,36 can be joined in the manner described above. By way of example,if (100) basic mobile fuel distribution stations 10 are needed, (200)20′ main container assemblies 24, (800) 4′ engine room containerassemblies 26,36 (with the equipment needed already installed), 200 longlegs, 100 short legs, 100 central platforms 16, 2200 4′×8′ modularpanels 18, 200 4′×4′ modular panels 18 and 400 1′×4′ modular panels 18are needed. If the 100 mobile fuel distribution stations 10 are going to100 different installation locations, then one truck 400 per location isneeded. As will be readily appreciated, for double stations, two trucks400 are need, etc.

The ability to quickly and easily transport and construct a mobile fueldistribution station is an important aspect of the present invention, asdiscussed above. To construct the station 10, components of the station10 are arranged in separate modules, such as the container assemblies24,26,36,402,404 described above. The modules are then transported to apredetermined assembly location wherein they are unloaded. The containerassemblies/modules 24,26,36 are then releasably connected together viathe frame assemblies 30 to form an operation platform 12, and theoperation platform 12 is then elevated on a support structure comprisinga plurality of legs 14. The support structure is equipped with a wheelassembly 132 to permit movement or rotation of the station 10, asdiscussed above. Additional components such as an alternative powergeneration device, a hydrocarbon refining apparatus, armored panels anda central platform 16 may be secured to the station 10, as describedabove. Importantly, a natural gas compression apparatus and associatedequipment, such as a compressor, etc., for compressing natural gas so asto be suitable for vehicle use may also be configured within one of themodules of the operation platform 12 during or prior to final assemblyof the station 10, as discussed in an embodiment below, to provide forthe distribution of compressed natural gas to compatible vehicles.

As alluded to above, the mobile fuel distribution station 10 of thepresent invention may be one station 10 in an interconnected network ofstations that are monitored by a command center 500. As will be readilyappreciated, data, images and the like collected by various sensors,cameras and fuel dispensers 52 at each station 10 can be transmitted toa remote command center 500 by the satellite antenna 148 associated witheach such station 10. As shown in FIG. 39, the command center 500 isremotely staffed by at least one person who monitors numerous mobilefuel distribution modules/stations 10 through a computer interface 502or the like. Each mobile fuel distribution station 10 is patched intothe command center 500 through a wireless connection such as thesatellite antenna 148. In this respect, the command center 500 canmonitor numerous mobile fuel distribution stations 10 at once andcoordinate fuel deliveries when fuel level is low, approve or declinecredit card or debit card transactions, and alert attendants or policeif suspicious behavior or tampering is detected on the video cameras146. In addition, an automatic shut off system can be activated from thecommand center 500 in the event of emergencies. In connection with this,the satellite antenna 148 also allows the station to receive data andcommunications from outside sources, such as the command center 500.

As disclosed above, the mobile fuel distribution station 10 of thepresent invention provides a number of distinct advantages over knownfueling stations. Importantly, as noted above, the mobile fueldistribution station is manufactured, at least in part, at an off-sitefacility and assembled on site through the use of nuts and bolts. Inthis respect, the mobile fuel distribution station can be easily andquickly assembled on site in a much shorter amount of time than is thecase with known fueling stations. In the event that the station ceasesoperation, it can also be quickly and easily disassembled, leavingalmost no indication that it was ever there. Moreover, because of thismodularity, the mobile fuel distribution station can be easily andquickly moved from one location to another. In addition, because themodule is self-contained, i.e., nothing is located below the ground andit operates on an alternative energy source such as a solar panel orwind power, a minimum number of pipes and wiring is required and nopublic works are required for its installation. Indeed, because thestation is self-sufficient and does not use mechanical, hydraulic andother pumps to dispense fuel, it requires minimum power for itsoperation, which enables the use of solar panels or other sources ofalternative energy.

Another important aspect of the present invention is the ability of themobile fuel distribution module to operate as a stand-alone unit. Asnoted above, the module relies almost entirely on solar, wind or otheralternative energy source for power and is ordinarily not connected tothe main electrical grid. In this respect, it can be quickly and easilyassembled in remote locations to meet fuel demand. Of course, auxiliaryconnection to the main electrical grid can be effectuated, if desired,without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

While it has been disclosed that the mobile fuel distribution stationstores and dispense gasoline to the public, the present invention is notlimited to storing and dispensing only gasoline. It is envisioned thatthe tanks of the mobile fuel distribution station can store and dispenseany type of fuel including, but not limited to, fossil fuels, biofuels,hydrogen and methanol, whether liquid or gas including, but not limitedto, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas. In addition,especially in the broader aspects of the present invention whereinmultiple-module fueling stations are contemplated, a single fuelingstation can store and dispense multiple types of fuel, such as gasoline,hydrogen, methanol, electricity, etc. In this embodiment, a customermust merely select the type of fuel required for his/her vehicle and thefuel will be dispensed from the appropriate fuel storage tank. Moreover,other auxiliary container assemblies can hold containerized equipmentsuch as generators, air pumps, battery banks, solar panels, firefighting equipment, electronic equipment or equipment to perform otherprocesses or tasks. As disclosed above, each of the container assembliescan be assembled to one another in different configurations to form aflexible and modular fuel station, thereby offering a flexibilityheretofore not seen in the art.

Importantly, as discussed above, the mobile fuel distribution station ofthe present invention obviates many of the environmental concernsassociated with known fueling stations. Because the station can quicklyand easily be assembled on site, no public works or complex plans needto be commissioned. In addition, the station of the present inventiondoes not involve any excavation or disturbing of the underlying soil, asthe tanks are elevated above the ground and the station rests on thesupport legs and the shoes. As such, in the event that the station is nolonger needed, demand has waned or the property is abandoned, thestation may be dismantled in the same manner in which it wasconstructed. As will be readily appreciated, no tanks need to be dug upand no concrete will remain in the ground, as would be the case withknown fueling stations. Accordingly, the station may be easily removedleaving no indication that it ever existed. In addition, because of theelevated design of the mobile fuel distribution station, the risk offuel seepage into the soil due to a spill or a leak in the tank isgreatly minimized. In this respect, the property may be sold easier andwith many less restrictions than would otherwise be the case.

In addition to its minimal physical footprint, the mobile fueldistribution station of the present invention also has a very smallenvironmental footprint, as compared to known fueling stations. As willbe readily appreciated, by positioning the fuel tanks in an elevatedposition, they are out of reach of patrons of the station but stilleasily accessible for inspection and maintenance. This is in starkcontrast to known fuel distribution stations having tanks buried in theground, as any inspection and maintenance of such tanks often requiresshutting down the entire station and digging up the tanks. As such,elevating the tanks in a secure location above the ground is much moreenvironmentally friendly and allows for easier servicing andmaintenance.

Moreover, as disclosed above, the location of the tanks above thedispensers and the use of gravity to dispense fuel obviate the need forany pumps. As no pumps are required to dispense the fuel from the tanks,a very low investment in hydraulic and electrical installations isnecessary. Indeed, by using gravity as the motive force to dispenseliquid fuels, much less power is used as compared to known fuelingstations that use mechanical pumps with a substantial electrical powerdraw. Accordingly, the mobile fuel distribution station of the presentinvention is much more efficient and saves a large amount of energy.Additionally, the location of the tanks above the ground makes them lesslikely to corrode, and even when leaks are present, they are much easierto detect than if the tanks were buried within the earth. As such, thelikelihood of contaminating the subsoil is all but eliminated.

In addition, the station uses an alternative energy source such as asolar panel or wind turbine (or a combination of both) and battery bankto power components as lights, credit/debit card machines and the like.A small electrical fossil fuel generator is only included for backuppower, and in many cases the station may be entirely off the electricalgrid. Moreover, by forming station such additional tank containerassemblies can be added, large fueling stations of almost any size andconfiguration can be assembled at a low cost, with minimum effort andwith reduced materials.

While the preferred embodiment contemplates separate containerassemblies for housing the main tank, auxiliary tank and equipment,respectively, in an alternative embodiment a single container assembly,defined by an outer frame structure, may be used to house the main fuelstorage tank or tanks, the auxiliary fuel storage tank or tanks, as wellas any equipment necessary for the operation of the module. Moreoverwhile the disclosure above uses the terms “main container assembly,”“auxiliary container assembly,” and equipment room container assembly,”these assemblies can likewise be considered “modules.” In any event, itis contemplated that these assemblies/modules can be mixed and matchedto provide any level of customization desired. In particular, the mobilefuel distribution module of the present invention can include any numberof main container assemblies, any number of auxiliary containerassemblies, and any number of equipment room container assembliesdepending on the specific projected or actual fuel demands of aparticular location. As will be readily appreciated, the modularcharacteristics of the assemblies allow for them to simply be attachedor detached from the station as desired such that the basic station canbe expanded or contracted to meet fueling and equipment demands.

In consideration of the preceding design of the mobile fuel distributionmodule, the rectangular frame structure 30 of the main tank assembly 24,auxiliary tank assembly 26 and equipment room assembly 36 not onlyprovides a superstructure to mount and house fuel tanks and otherequipment necessary for operation of the module, but also provides anumber of additional advantages. In particular, the rectangular shapeand configuration of the assemblies/containers 24,26,36 allows theseassemblies to be easily, stored, stacked, transported and assembled.Indeed, the modular nature of the assemblies allows almost anyequipment, storage tanks or other components to be mounted therein,either on site or, preferably, prior to arriving at the installationsite. As will be readily appreciated, this flexibility of configuringand mounting most components within the assemblies prior to shippingminimizes on-site assembly and installation time. Moreover, theassemblies themselves are modular in that broken or faulty equipment, orindeed an entire assembly 24,26,36, can be quickly and easily swappedout from the station such that any down time is minimized. In addition,each assembly can be configured with the specific equipment andcomponents necessary for operation of the module depending on the typeof fuel offered; additional assemblies 24,26,36 can also be added toexpand the station to keep up with increasing demand or to support a newor alternative type of fuel (including adding an assembly(s) havingstorage tanks and any fuel conversion equipment required for any givenfuel type, as detailed below).

In yet another embodiment, a mobile fuel distribution station 600 fordelivering compressed natural gas (CNG) to vehicles is provided. Asshown in FIG. 40 the station 600 is substantially similar in itsconstruction to the station 300 shown in FIGS. 33-35, with a few notabledifferences. In particular, the station 600 generally includes agenerally rectangular operation platform 12, a plurality of legs 14 thatsupport the operation platform 12 in an elevated position above theground and a central platform 16 (not shown) that provides a serviceinterface for patrons of the station 10. The operation platform 12 iscovered by a plurality of modular panels 18 that function to both blockfrom view, and protect, the main functional components of the station 10housed within the operation platform 12, as discussed above. In thisembodiment, preferably four legs support the operation platform 12 in anelevated position, although a support structure having more than fourlegs is also possible without departing from the broader aspects of thepresent invention. As with the station 200 of FIGS. 33-35, the mobilefuel distribution station 600 further includes at least one alternativepower generation device, such as one or more solar panels 22, supportedin an elevated position by the legs 14. The solar panels 14 are tiltableand rotatable 360 degrees to collect and convert sunlight to electricityto provide power to the mobile fuel distribution station 600.

In contrast to the station 200, however, the station 600, includes twoCNG container assemblies and one large equipment room assembly 604mounted therebetween. Detail views of the CNG container assemblies 602are best shown in FIGS. 41-43. As shown therein, each CNG containerassembly 602 includes two substantially cylindrical compressed naturalgas storage tanks 606 positioned side by side and mounted within agenerally rectangular frame 30. Preferably, the frame 30 is the same orsubstantially similar to the frame 30 disclosed above in connection withthe main container assembly 24. Optionally, the CNG container assemblies602 may be enclosed by walls (not illustrated). Preferably, the tank 606is cylindrical in cross section, although tanks of other shapes andtypes are certainly possible without departing from the broader aspectsof the present invention.

Importantly, the tank 606 and the frame 30 surrounding the tank 606 areconfigured with mounting brackets 32 for attaching various containerassemblies together, for attaching the legs 14 to the containerassemblies, as discussed above, so that the tanks 606 can be supportedin an elevated position, and for mounting the modular panels 18, as alsodiscussed above. In the preferred embodiment, at least some of themounting brackets 32 are integrally formed with, welded to or otherwisedirectly fastened to the CNG tanks 606. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, eachlongitudinal side of the main storage tank 28 preferably has four pairsof mounting brackets 32 and each lateral side has two pairs of mountingbrackets 32, although more or fewer mounting brackets arranged in anyconfiguration may be used without departing from the broader aspects ofthe present invention.

As further shown in FIG. 40, the CNG container assemblies 602 arerigidly affixed to opposing longitudinal sides of the large equipmentroom container assembly 604 by the mounting brackets 32. As showntherein, the equipment room container assembly 604 includes a lowpressure gas intake 608, a natural gas compression apparatus, such as aslow fill gas compressor 610, in fluid communication with the lowpressure gas intake 608, and process equipment 612 for further alteringthe natural gas and maintaining the natural gas at a predetermined,constant temperature, so as to be suitable for vehicle use. Inoperation, natural gas is supplied by a fuel truck or, more preferably,directly from a main natural gas pipeline (e.g., a main natural gaspipeline available on city streets) to the low pressure gas intake 608.The supplied gas is then routed by a conduit to the slow fill gascompressor 610 which compresses the natural gas to a predeterminedpressure. The compressed gas is then routed through process equipment612 and ultimately to the CNG storage tanks 606 where it is stored andmaintained at approximately 3600 psi. As will be readily appreciated,the compressed natural gas stored in the tanks 606 may be dispensed ondemand by patrons of the module through a dispenser (not shown).

As further shown in FIG. 40, the station 600 may also include auxiliarycontainer assemblies 26 having an auxiliary fuel storage tank 34 toprovide additional fuel capacity or other types of fuel. The station 600may further include equipment room container assemblies 36, such asthose described above, for housing other equipment necessary for theproper functioning of the module, such as control circuitry, the fossilfuel generator and the like.

Importantly, while the station 600 is configured to dispense compressednatural gas to vehicles, the station 600 may be modified to dispenseother fuels in addition to CNG. In particular, main container assemblies24 having a main fuel storage tank 28 for storing other fuels such asdiesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum, methanol, etc., may be rigidlyattached to the sides of the station 600 (and more legs 14 added toprovide additional support, if necessary, as disclosed above). In thismanner, the station 600 can be configured to offer a variety of fueltypes, in addition to CNG.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides for thedistribution of secondary hydrocarbon materials, preferably hydrogen, tocompatible vehicles. As used herein, secondary hydrocarbon materialmeans any material that has been refined or produced from an upstream,primary hydrocarbon material including but not limited to gasoline,diesel, natural gas, etc. As shown in FIG. 44, the mobile fueldistribution station 700 according to this embodiment is substantiallysimilar to the station 600 shown in FIG. 40, with a few notabledifferences in the main tank and main equipment room assemblies. Inparticular, the station 700 generally includes a generally rectangularoperation platform 12, a plurality of legs 14 that support the operationplatform 12 in an elevated position above the ground and a centralplatform 16 (not shown) that provides a service interface for patrons ofthe station 10. The operation platform 12 is covered by a plurality ofmodular panels 18 that function to both block from view, and protect,the main functional components of the station 10 housed within theoperation platform 12, as discussed above. In this embodiment,preferably four legs support the operation platform 12 in an elevatedposition, although a support structure having more than four legs isalso possible without departing from the broader aspects of the presentinvention. As with the station 600 of FIG. 40, the mobile fueldistribution station 700 further includes at least one alternative powergeneration device, such as one or more solar panels 22, supported in anelevated position by the legs 14. The solar panels 14 are tiltable androtatable 360 degrees to collect and convert sunlight to electricity toprovide power to the mobile fuel distribution station 700.

As shown in FIG. 44, the station 700 includes a first main containerassembly 702 having a primary hydrocarbon material storage tank 704 anda second main container assembly 706 having a secondary hydrocarbonmaterial storage tank 708 disposed on said operation platform 12.Preferably, the construction of the container assemblies 702,706 issimilar to the construction of the main container assembly 24, disclosedabove. A large equipment room container assembly 710 is mounted betweenthe first main container assembly 702 and second main container assembly706 and is rigidly fastened thereto using mounting brackets 32, asdiscussed above. As shown therein, the large equipment room containerassembly 710 houses a hydrocarbon refining apparatus 712 for selectivelyaccepting the primary hydrocarbon materials from the storage tank 704and for cracking and refinement into secondary hydrocarbon materials forstorage in the storage tank 708. The hydrocarbon refining apparatus mayinclude a pump, filters, etc. In operation, the primary hydrocarbonmaterial stored in the tank 704 is directed through the refiningapparatus 712 housed within the large equipment room 710 and is cracked,refined, and stored as a secondary hydrocarbon material in the storagetank 708. As will be readily appreciated, the primary hydrocarbonmaterials may include, but are not limited to, gasoline, natural gas,etc. In the preferred embodiment, the primary hydrocarbon material isnatural gas and the secondary “hydrocarbon” material is hydrogensuitable for vehicle use. As will be readily appreciated, the refinedhydrogen stored in the tank 708 may then be dispensed on demand bypatrons of the module through a dispenser (not shown) located on thecentral platform (not shown).

As further shown in FIG. 44, the station 700 may also include auxiliarycontainer assemblies 26 having an auxiliary fuel storage tank 34 toprovide additional fuel capacity or other types of fuel. The station 700may further include equipment room container assemblies 36, such asthose described above, for housing other equipment necessary for theproper functioning of the module, such as control circuitry, the fossilfuel generator and the like.

Importantly, while the station 700 is configured to dispense hydrogengas, or other secondary hydrocarbon materials, to vehicles, the station700 may be modified to dispense other fuels in addition to CNG. Inparticular, main container assemblies 24 having a main fuel storage tank28 for storing other fuels such as diesel, gasoline, methanol, liquefiedpetroleum, etc., may be rigidly attached to the sides of the station 700(and more legs 14 added to provide additional support, if necessary, asdisclosed above). In this manner, the station 700 can be configured tooffer a variety of fuel types, in addition to hydrogen.

Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to thedetailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill inthe art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of theinvention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fuel distribution station, comprising: aplurality of fuel tanks, at least two of said plurality of fuel tanksbeing rigidly interconnected to one another; a support structure havinga plurality of rigid legs for supporting said fuel tank in an elevatedposition a predetermined distance above ground, said predetermineddistance being sufficient to allow for passage of automobiles beneathsaid fuel tank during a fueling operation; and a control system forselectively permitting and monitoring a discharge of fuel from said fueltank to said automobiles beneath said fuel tank during said fuelingoperation.
 2. The fuel distribution station of claim 1, wherein: saidrigid connection between said at least two of said plurality of fueltanks enables communication between said at least two of said pluralityof fuel tanks.
 3. A fuel distribution station, comprising: a first fueltank for releasably holding a first fuel; a second fuel tank forreleasably holding a second fuel; a connection member extending betweensaid first fuel tank and said second fuel tank, said connection memberproviding a rigid connection between said first fuel tank and saidsecond fuel tank; a support structure for supporting said first fueltank and said second fuel tank in an elevated position a predetermineddistance above ground, said predetermined distance being sufficient toallow for passage of land vehicles beneath said support structure duringa fueling operation; and a control system for selectively permitting andmonitoring a discharge of fuel from said first fuel tank and said secondfuel tank to said land vehicles during said fueling operation.
 4. Thefuel distribution station of claim 3, wherein: said connection memberprovides for communication between said first fuel tank and said secondfuel tank.
 5. The fuel distribution station of claim 3, wherein: saidconnection member provides for fluid communication between an interiorvolume of said first fuel tank and an interior volume of said secondfuel tank.
 6. The fuel distribution station of claim 3, wherein: saidfirst fuel and said second fuel are both hydrocarbon fuels.
 7. A methodof distributing fuel from a fuel distribution station, said methodcomprising the steps of: forming a first fuel tank to releasably hold afirst fuel; forming a second fuel tank to releasably hold a second fuel;extending a connection member between said first fuel tank and saidsecond fuel tank, said connection member providing a rigid connectionbetween said first fuel tank and said second fuel tank; providing asupport structure for supporting said first fuel tank and said secondfuel tank in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground,said predetermined distance being sufficient to allow for passage ofland vehicles beneath said support structure during a fueling operation;and integrating a control system for selectively permitting andmonitoring a discharge of fuel from said first fuel tank and said secondfuel tank to said land vehicles during said fueling operation.
 8. Themethod of distributing fuel from a fuel distribution station accordingto claim 7, said method further comprising the steps of: utilizing saidconnection member to provide communication between said first fuel tankand said second fuel tank.
 9. The method of distributing fuel from afuel distribution station according to claim 7, said method furthercomprising the steps of: utilizing said connection member to providefluid communication between an inner volume of said first fuel tank andan inner volume of said second fuel tank.